Canadian Race Guide: 18-21 April, Easter edition

Much of the world, and the entire greater running community, will turn it’s attention to Boston this weekend, for the historic 118th running of the Boston Marathon one year after the tragic bombings.

On Monday April 21st, Patriot’s Day in Massachusetts but better known to runners as ‘Marathon Monday’, some 2,300 Canadians are registered to run the iconic 42.2K route from Hopkinton to Copley Square in Boston.

Here in Canada, there are also a number of running events and races planned across the country for this Easter long-weekend. From Race Guide, here’s your complete listing of races and running events:

Starting on the east coast, on Prince Edward Island, the Dairy Queen/Source for Sports Bunny Hop 10K & 5K takes place in Charlottetown on Saturday.

On the mainland, the Cool Runnings 10K and 5K goes on Saturday in Tatamagouche, while the ZX 10K and 5K runs in Greenwood, Nova Scotia on Sunday.

In New Brunswick the Transplant Trot takes place in Moncton on Saturday and in Fredericton on Sunday.

In Quebec, Course MEC Quebec #1 in Quebec City features a 10K and 5K option, while the
Demi-marathon de la Vallee de Saint-Sauveur offers a half marathon as well as 10K and 5K races. Both events run Saturday. On Sunday, Course MEC Longueuil #2 provides a 15K, 10K and 5K race in Parc Michel Chartrand, and in Oka, Course Printanière Parc National d’Oka offers a half marathon, 10K and 5K.

In Ontario, the weekend kicks off on Friday with the 22nd Annual McFarlan Rowlands Downtown 5K Run, 2.5K Fun Run/Walk and Kiddie Trot in London. The 41st Annual Good Friday Road Races also take place in Burlington and feature a 10-mile race, a 5K and a 1K Bunny Hop for kids. On Saturday, the Easter Hop 2.5K occurs in Cambridge, as does the ‘Run for the Diamond’ Uxbridge Half Marathon, 10K and 5K. On Sunday, the lone event in the province is the Whitby Earth Day Run which offers a flat and fast 10K and 5K.

Manitoba is set to host two events starting with the 3rd annual Run Your Heart Out 5K Run & Walk on Saturday in St. Vital Park (Duck Pond) in Winnipeg. On Sunday, the Pure Lifestyle Running Series Race #2 goes in Assiniboine Park (also in Winnipeg) and offer s a 10K, 5K, and fun 1K for kids.

The 8th Annual ‘Look Matters’ Gopher Attack Marathon (and Half) goes Good Friday, April 18th starting in Wascana Park in front of the Saskatchewan Legislature in Regina.

In Alberta, the Beaumont Doggy Dash goes Saturday and offers a 5K and 10K race.

The lone event in British Columbia is The Fletcher’s Challenge Trail Race & Family Run/Walk in Nanaimo, and offers a trail race of approximately 13-16K and a 6K family run.

Don’t forget to download RaceGuide, the free and easy-to-use iOS app that lists and details every race and running event in Canada and allows you to rate and review events based on your own experiences.

Did we miss your race or event? Do you want it featured and included in our guide, mobile app and website? If so, please contact raceguide@runningmag2.wpengine.com